‘Freakish’ Mohamed Bamba Set on Smashing Records in the NBA

Mohamed Bamba is one of the most intriguing athletes to come around in a while. The former Texas Longhorns big man has a wingspan of nearly 7-feet and is one of the top prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft. Bamba, who categorizes himself as a “unicorn,” is expected to be a high lottery pick when the draft rolls around in a matter of weeks.

“Someone who blocks a shot off the top of the backboard, pushes it in transition and finds a shooter in the corner: That’s pretty unicorn-like. That’s something I embrace, just doing stuff not many people can do,” Bamba told CBS Sports when he discussed his skills.

Now, let’s travel back in time, to how a young ordinary boy becomes the most unforeseeable ‘creature’ to possibly enroll into the NBA.

Mo Bamba

Full Name: Mohamed BambaBirthdate: May 12, 1998Age: 20Birth Place: Harlem, New YorkHeight: 7-foot-1School: The University of Texas

Early Life

Since Bamba was a young boy, he strongly believed in one particular thing: The butterfly effect. In other words, he believes in the ripples of small moments in someone’s life, and how those small decisions can carry huge consequences. How does this relate to him? Well, in sixth grade, he had a decision to make. It was either to attend his first basketball national tournament or to go on his annual two-week pilgrimage from city life to stay with a family in rural Pennsylvania. It may sound like an easy decision. But it wasn’t for Bamba. After thinking long and hard about it, he chose not to attend the national tournament.

Bamba didn’t get to show his stage presence on the court until he transferred to Westtown School in Westtown, Pennsylvania. It was then — in his junior year — when he averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game. Then he got to play in the 2017 McDonald’s All American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit before becoming a five-star recruit.

There were four universities that were “pressing” Bamba to come play for them. The universities were — Kentucky, Duke, Texas, and Michigan. He ultimately chose the Longhorns.

College Career

Bamba’s college debut, Nov. 10, 2017, was definitely a beauty to watch. How? Besides the fact that he recorded 15 points, along with 8 rebounds, it was a blowout win. After each game, his numbers only continued to rise. As the season winded down, he was named a member of the Big 12’s All-Newcomer Team as well as being named a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team. Now what?

At the moment, Bamba is expecting to be a lottery selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. Does anyone think so? Let’s put it this way: There’s a better chance that he will be selected than not. Mark my word.